Low Energy? Feeling Down? There’s a Vitamin for That

Do you suffer from a lack of energy or has your mood felt off lately? You may be suffering from a deficiency in vitamin B12.

ABOUT VITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that we must get through the diet or by supplementing. It is only found in animal sources such as meat, fish, eggs. However, some foods may be fortified with B12, but it is often not enough to meet our bodily requirements. Getting enough B12 is crucial for many cellular functions, if you’re experiencing a deficiency or struggle to get enough you may consider supplementing or get a boost through a intramuscular injection.

BENEFITS OF B12

Oral supplementation with B12 can bring your blood levels up over time but if your experiencing symptoms of deficiency you may benefit more quickly from a B12 injection. B12 can help if you are struggling with low mood, fatigue, memory concerns, muscle weakness, tingling or burning sensation in the hands or feet, or poor skin, hair or nails.

It may surprise you to learn that vitamin B12, also known as methylcobalamin (active form of vitamin B12), can also aid in eye sight, brain function, heart health, anemia, prevention of birth defects, osteoporosis and bone health, and mental health or mood disorders.

Deficiencies of vitamin B12 often occur in:

• older adults, as we age our B12 stores deplete,

• people with gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, or Celiac disease,

• those who have had gastrointestinal surgeries such as bariatric surgery or bowel resection surgery,

• vegetarians or vegans,

• individuals who take metformin or other blood sugar control medications,

• those taking proton pump inhibitors for conditions such as chronic heartburn,

• those with reduced stomach acid,

• individuals under chronic or long-term stress

What to Consider

Remember not all supplements are made equally. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine you are taking the correct form and dose of B12. There are several types of B12 available over the counter, or by prescription, however they are not all equal. The best forms of B12 include methylcobalamin or hydroxycobalamin, however, the inactive and least effective form cyanocobalamin is the form typically found in supplement products.

Interested in trying a B12 injection? Contact us at www.durhamnaturopath.com to find out more or book an appointment.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kate Klein, ND